JANUARY 5, 1959

NEW YORK—I read of Governor Nelson Rockefeller's inauguration with interest and admired his
fine speech.

No one could quarrel with the sentiments expressed by the new Governor. The point,
of course, is how nearly he will be able to fulfill the standards set in his speech.
Much will depend on the men he has named to office and on his ability to keep them
up to the standards which he proclaims as his own. The people of the state will watch
with interest, for we have become skeptical of political machines and some of us feel
that it makes little difference whether a Governor is a Democrat or a Republican unless
he can achieve control of the machine. Machinery is necessary for the functioning
of political parties, but the control must lie with the Governor and not with the
bosses. The latter may control their lieutenants, but never the Governor.

With the overthrow of President Batista, another dictatorship in a South American
country toppled at the end of the week. It now remains to be seen whether the rebels
under Fidel Castro can really provide better government than that of the President
who has fled. Removing one government and putting in another is not in itself sufficient.
One really has to do something to improve conditions for the people, and one must
try to make the government more truly responsive to the people's needs. The future
alone can give this answer in Cuba.

On New Year's eve I went with some friends to see "Twelfth Night" as produced by the
Old Vic, and it was indeed a joy. To act Shakespeare well, I think, you must have a group of unusually intelligent and attractive people,
and the Old Vic cast fulfills that requirement. Although I have not met them off stage,
a friend of mine who had the pleasure of meeting them personally in Dallas said they
were the most charming and delightful group of actors and actresses he had met in
a long time. I am sure that this is one of the factors contributing to their delightful
performances of Shakespeare's plays. The role of Viola was charmingly portrayed by
Barbara Jefford, and of course one cannot help but enjoy the roles of Sir Toby and
Sir Andrew.

On December 31 General George C. Marshall celebrated his 78th birthday, and everyone
who remembers his service in World War II and then as Secretary of State will wish
for the general all good things with a sense of satisfaction in his high accomplishments
for his country. He has served his country well and all its citizens who understand
his service must be grateful to him.

With the end of the strike on Eastern Airlines, we seem little by little to be returning
to normal in our various activities. I am sure all of us will be glad of a little
less excitement in the next few months.